(651) 437-7577
100 Sibley St.
Hastings, Minnesota 55033

In 1850, Hastings was first settled by Alexis Bailly. He had received government approval for a trading post on the west side of the Mississippi River in Indian Territory and along with his son Henry, and friends Henry Sibley and Alexander Faribault, they started Hastings. Bailly's cabin became the city's first hotel and tavern, the Buckhorn. At the Buckhorn the group of four placed suggested town names in a hat. After indecisive votes they agreed on Hastings, Henry Sibley's middle name. Lots were sold as early as 1853, but the sales didn't become legal until 1855. The location chosen for Hastings was not selected by chance. The location offered an excellent Mississippi River landing for steamboats and a good crossing point for a future ferry or bridge. The terrain offered timber, limestone outcroppings, and beds of clay for constructing buildings. To the west and south lay rich farmland along the Vermillion River trail. The Vermillion River drops 100 feet in a series of rapids and falls as it crosses through Hastings. The falls promised ample water power to turn mill wheels and stones. Hasting became the commercial center of Dakota County's fertile heartland. Its mills ground the grain and merchants supplied products and services. Industries soon formed attracting skilled tradespeople. In 1857, Hastings became the Dakota County seat of government.

The staff at Levee Cafe welcome you to Hastings and hope you enjoy your stay.